Rahul Gandhi asks PM Modi to roll back 'UPI tax' immediately, invokes Indira

A new UPI framework introduces a 0.4 per cent merchant discount rate (MDR) on specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000. Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded an immediate rollback of what he described as “UPI tax” — the framework that brings changes to how certain merchant transactions are charged when making a UPI payment.Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi speaks during an event (AICC)The new framework introduces a 0.4 per cent merchant discount rate (MDR) on specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000, however, customers will not be charged MDR, according to the government.Also Read | UPI charges of 0.4% to be levied on merchant transactions above ₹2,000In a video message on X — which he captioned, “Modi ji, roll back the UPI tax. Now”, Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a tax on every single Indian person by taxing UPI and “giving huge amount of money to the United States.”The remarks come amid a political row over the government's new UPI framework. The government has set a 0.4% MDR on merchant UPI payments above ₹2,000, with the fee capped at ₹300 for transactions of ₹75,000 and above.The government has maintained that the charge applies to merchants and not directly to customers, while the critics of this move have argued that merchants could eventually pass the additional cost on to consumers through higher prices.Rahul accuses PM of ‘surrendering’ before United StatesRahul slammed the Prime Minister over the government's new framework allowing MDR charges on certain UPI transactions, accusing him of “surrendering” before the United States and President Donald Trump.Also Read | 'End of day consumer pays': Ashneer Grover questions UPI merchant fee, says 'call it tax'Drawing a comparison with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Rahul said, “Indiraji was once asked whether she leaned to the left or the right. Her response was, ‘I don't go left or right, I stand straight.’”Taking a swipe at Modi, Rahul said, “Modiji is completely different. He is neither left nor right. He has decided to lie down straight and prostrate himself in front of Donald Trump.”Rahul also alleged that the government's UPI policy would effectively impose a burden on Indians. “He has put a tax on every single Indian person by taxing UPI and giving huge amounts of money to the United States,” he said.The Congress leader urged PM Modi to “stop lying down in front of the United States” and asked him to “have a spine” and withdraw the UPI charge.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More